All posts by nokiaexpert

One of the more interesting features of the Nokia Black update is the ability to capture photographs in RAW or DNG format. DSLR and high-end compact cameras have been using the RAW/DNG format for years and this is the first time a smartphone has had this ability.

The DNG format allows Lumia 1020 and 1520 camera users more control over their images. It is a feature that matches up well with the optical stabilization, low-light performance and larger imaging sensors already in place.

However, DNG may not be for everyone. If you detest post-processing (photo editing) and prefer a “straight from the camera” photography experience, you may want to stick with JPEG.

What is DNG?

DNG is a universal RAW image format and is short for Digital Negative Image File. In many respects, a RAW image file is comparable to film negatives. Where JPEG image files are processed in-camera (exposure, white balance, contrast, etc.) and compressed, DNG files are not. They leave the camera as a raw, un-adjusted image file. This allows you to adjust the image as you see fit and minimizes any image degradation that such adjustments may cause.

You can fine-tune JPEG images with post-processing but the more you adjust and tweak exposure, color adjustments, sharpness, contrast, etc. your image quality begins to suffer.

Think of it this way. If you draw a picture on a piece of paper and have to erase portions of the drawing to improve the appearance the paper will begin to show wear from being erased. The more you post-edit a JPEG image, the stronger the chance the image will begin to show wear through noise, artifacts or other abnormalities.

One of the downsides to DNG files is that without any adjustments or compression, the file itself is huge. A compressed 38MP JPEG file runs in the neighborhood of 9MB while an uncompressed 38MP DNG file runs in the neighborhood of 48MB.

Image sizes of the two file formats breaks down as follows. The 38MP JPEG image is 7136 x 5360 pixels at 72dpi. The 38MP DNG image is 7152 x 5360 pixels at 240dpi. I am not exactly sure where the extra pixel width comes from but I have found the higher, native dpi lends for better print quality.

Accessing your DNG files

To set your Lumia 1020 or 1520 to shoot DNG format, go to your camera settings. You will have capture mode options that will include JPEG (5MP), JPEG (5MP +38MP) and JPEG (5MP + DNG (38MP). Keep in mind the high end of the image resolution is dependent on your aspect ratio. An aspect ratio of 4:3 will give you the 38MP resolution and an aspect ratio of 16:9 will yield you a 34MP resolution on the high end.

The 5MP image is built off the larger JPEG or DNG image file and is easier to share from your Windows Phone. The larger image file can be used with the “zoom later” feature of Nokia Camera to modify the appearance of the 5MP image. Shooting in DNG format will act just like shooting with the 5MP+34/38MP option.

If your photography never strays from your Windows Phone screen, you will not see the difference between shooting DNG and JPEG formats (save the storage needed for the larger DNG file). The advantages of the DNG format come into play if you take the images offsite to a photo-editing app on computer.

DNG Conversion

Asides from being a much larger file, another downside to DNG or RAW image files is that it takes more time to edit your photos. With JPEG images, you get a finished product straight from the camera that often requires no post-editing. With DNG files, you are guaranteed time with photo editing software.

Windows File Explorer Listing DNG Files

To edit the un-compressed, un-adjusted, raw DNG file you will first need to remove it from your Windows Phone to a computer. You can do this by connecting your Windows Phone up to your computer and using the file explorer look for the file with the “Raw_highres.dng” extension or the DNG File Type in the Camera Roll sub-folder of the Pictures folder.

Once on your computer, you will need to open it from Photoshop Elements, Lightroom or other photo editor. When you do so, you will need to run the DNG file through a conversion application. Most photo editors have this built in and the conversion process pulls up automatically.

Once you get your adjustments just right, the DNG file will be converted to JPEG format and the adjustments will be applied. From there you can crop, re-size and/or make additional edits to your image before saving.

As the development of our Windows Phone cameras continue, hopefully we will see a Windows Phone photo-editing app that will allow us to convert and edit DNG files straight from the Windows Phone. The Lumia 1520’s six-inch screen is just screaming for such an editor.

End Results

I have been shooting RAW format from a DSLR for years and find the format gives me more control in editing photos, helps me save marginal images from being tossed, and provides overall better image quality. The JPEG image format is equally capable of producing quality images but can be more sensitive to post-processing.

Note: Sample images were shot with the Nokia Lumia 1020. JPEG images were taken straight from the camera and resized for publication. DNG images were converted, then resized for publication.

JPEG (left) and DNG (right) Samples

The adjustment controls with processing DNG files makes it easier to pull details out of the shadows, accurately adjust an image’s white balance (tint and temperature), and overall gives you more creative control over your images. When lighting conditions aren't that great, I have found that shooting RAW gives you a little more forgiveness than JPEG.

Straight from the Camera JPEG Sample Image

In shooting images with both formats, I am very impressed with how well the Lumia 1020 handles in-camera processing. Image quality was very close with the two image formats but I found getting the image to look as desired was easier in shooting with the DNG format. Granted this could be based on being more accustomed to processing RAW image files.

DNG File Sample Image

In defense of the JPEG image, you can fine-tune the image file with Fhotoroom, Nokia's Creative Studio, or other Windows Phone/computer photo editors to improve the "straight from the camera" image. Just keep in mind, the more you adjust a JPEG image the chance of image degradation increases.

Hopefully we will see a Windows Phone photo editor that will be capable of opening and converting the DNG files and reduce the dependency on a computer to make the most of these files. The 'zoom later' feature of Nokia Camera will work on DNG files but the image is automatically converted and re-sampled to the 5MP version. It would be nice to have an internal conversion app to let you adjust the DNG file manually then edit the image accordingly.

DNG or JPEG?

If the majority of your photos will reside on your Windows Phone, the JPEG file format will serve you well. Even if you venture beyond your Windows Phone, shooting JPEG images can produce fantastic images.

If you like to dabble with photo editing and are looking for more control with your images, then shoot DNG. It will require a little more time with photo editing software but in the end you may find it time well spent.

For me, the introduction of the RAW/DNG file format to our Windows Phones makes the camera a more serious contender. It gives you the ability to shoot a photo, share the 5MP JPEG immediately and later edit/fine-tune the DNG for print or digital publication. This ability has been in place with many professional DSLRs for years and it is nice to see it landing with our Windows Phones.

JPEG (Bottom) and DNG (Top) Sample Images

If you have shot RAW before with your DSLR or advanced Point and Shoot camera, you will feel right at home with the Lumia’s DNG format. If you are curious about photo editing, the DNG will give you the opportunity to dive into more intense post-processing. If you could care less about RAW image files and like the convenience of the JPEG format, the Lumia 1020 and 1520 has you covered as well.

There really is no right or wrong whichever way you choose.

If you have given the new DNG format a spin, let us know what you think of it in the comments below.

Earlier we detailed Nokia’s additional features that will become provided with the Lumia Black firmware update. Certainly one of individuals surprise features was the opportunity to create application folders in your Start screen. At that time no particulars were around the blog publish saying ways to get application folders labored. Daniel recommended it will come by means of an application, so it merely has. Actually, now you can download Application Folder from Nokia to produce your personal.

Surprise! It doesn’t really need Lumia Black to operate. We we’re in a position to install and employ the application on the device using the Amber firmware update installed.

There is not much for this. This application can help you clear your Start screen by permitting you to definitely group applications together right into a folder. Not just applications, however, many popular configurations may also be added for relatively fast access. The folder solution isn’t as elegant because it is on competing mobile os's. For instance, the folder you develop is essentially an Live tile using the symbols of the several applications inside. When you tap it you jump in to the Application Folder application where you’ll then tap the application you need to visit. But it’s a pleasant means of cleaning your Start screen.

You may create folders, title them, and drop the different applications and configurations in it. Pin it for your Start screen and you may cycle with the various tile dimensions. But when you’re a energy user that positively utilizes a bazillion applications, Application Folder might be a pleasant means of cleaning your Start screen and discover a little more zen.

A number of popular Home windows Phone applications have obtained updates lately that seem to mainly cope with fixing bugs and enhancing performance.

First of all may be the addictive Empire building game from Disney Mobile, The Exorcist: Small Dying Star. The overall game has you building an exciting-new Dying Star and beating the Digital rebel Alliance. The update takes the overall game to version 1..1.7 and fixes the issue of stores not creating coins while the overall game is closed of reduced.

Next may be the Home windows Phone messenger application WhatsApp. WhatsApp can be obtained for Home windows Phone, Android, Rim and iOS products which makes it an opportune mix-platform communications application. The update bumps WhatsApp to version 5.11.356 and fixes a couple of difficulties with reception of broadcast messages.

Finally, there's an update for Nokia Camera. This update takes the Nokia Lumia camera application to version 4.5.1.5 and it is a little of the mystery in regards to what all it calls for. The Shop description lists the update adding support for DNG files around the Lumia 1520 and 1020 however that description appears to become dated. Our guess would be that the update handles maintenance issues or opens the DNG support for Worldwide Lumia products that lately received the Nokia Black Update. We've arrived at to Nokia for clarification and really should we hear different, we'll transfer.

Earlier today we covered some particulars around the Nokia’s Lumia Black update that's starting to rollout in China along with other nations around the world. We've more particulars on additional features within Lumia Black and also the accessibility to the rollout. Information ahoy!

The Lumia Black firmware already occurs products such as the Lumia 1520, however it’s moving out for that Lumia 1020 and Lumia 925 mobile phones. Other products can get the update within the coming days. Nokia includes a support page on their own site where one can check up on the status for the Amber and Lumia Black updates based on your region and company.

What’s new within the Lumia Black update? There’s a few additional features and enhancements in imaging. Anticipate such things as:

Application Folder

Nokia Glance Screen 2.

Bluetooth LE

Nokia Refocus

Nokia Beamer

Nokia Storyteller

Nokia Camera

The greatest surprise is adding folders into Home windows Phone. Application folders allows customers to group similar applications and configurations into one folder like a tile in your Start screen. A mod from Nokia Conversations responded within the comments from the corresponding blog publish announcing the rollout and stated that “we’ll bring more particulars with that inside a future publish” when responding to how application folders works. This can be a heavily asked for feature among many Home windows Phone customers and individuals running Lumia Black will have the ability to make the most of it.

Samsung formerly shipped Folders for their Home windows Phone customers with an application, so we picture this will be here. So stay updated.

The 2nd form of Nokia’s Glance Screen enhances upon the main functionality and have set from the time it initially released. The version in Lumia Black enables you to view notices out of your favorite applications like Twitter, Facebook, or WhatsApp. All products with Lumia Black can also get Bluetooth Low Energy enabled (BT4.). This enables for products like heartbeat monitors or fitness trackers to help keep a reliable connection and never drain battery for either device.

You will find a number of applications from Nokia that need Lumia Black to operate. Applications like Storyteller, Beamer, and Refocus is going to be open to individuals with Lumia Black. You will find certain restrictions for which a number of individuals applications can perform on some hardware. For instance, Nokia Refocus is only going to use products which have a minimum of 1GB of RAM. Obviously Nokia Camera now works in the Lumia 520 to Lumia 1520, however it sings on greater finish hardware.

When it comes to imaging, Lumia Black enhances picture quality (mainly in the Lumia 1020) with a brand new group of calculations. Images need to look natural with reduced noise in low-light situations.

When would you obtain the update? Soon. Like we stated, it’s moving out now to the Lumia 1020 and Lumia 925 globally. Look at your specific company about this support page.

Nokia’s HERE Maps application for iOS burst to the scene in late 2012 among the drama which was unfolding around Apple’s iOS mapping application debacle. Google’s mapping solution have been ousted from Apple’s mobile products and also the Cupertino-based company rushed out its very own Maps application instead. It had been a tragedy. As the world anxiously waited for Google Maps to create its triumphant go back to iOS, Nokia beat Google towards the punch and launched HERE Maps, an iOS port of their fantastic mapping application for Home windows Phone, also it appeared as if the organization may have new existence like a mix-platform company.

“We have made a decision to get rid of our HERE Maps application in the Apple Application Store because recent changes to iOS 7 harm the consumer experience,” Nokia stated inside a statement carrying out a report from Indian Express. “iPhone customers could make use of the mobile web form of HERE Maps under m.here.com, providing them location needs, for example search, routing, orientation, transit information and much more, all completely totally free.Inches

Nokia’s HERE Maps application will survive like a web application but so far as iOS is worried, it’s likely basically dead for the moment thinking about the a large number of terrific native mapping application options which are still alive and well within the Application Store.

AdDuplex has launched data showing the Lumia 520 becoming more popular then ever inside the Home windows Phone ecosystem, low-finish hardware advancing strongly in america along with a persistent Home windows Phone 7.

Home windows Phone is definitely an interesting platform to analyse when you are searching at hardware. Mix-platform advertising network, AdDuplex has released a study for that month of December to give to us a little insight regarding how Home windows Phone is searching in the finish of 2013. The entire year continues to be an eventful one as you would expect, so mind on beyond the break for the particulars.

Lumia 520 applies to gold

Much like in previous reviews we have covered from AdDuplex, the Lumia 520 is constantly on the dominate the Home windows Phone ecosystem, getting yet bigger shares from the cake. Again, this really is further proof it's not lower to simply high-finish, costly hardware to push a mobile platform within the right direction.

Apart from the ongoing development of the Lumia 520, the chart remains almost exactly the same when in comparison to November. Based on AdDuplex, the reduced-finish Nokia Home windows Phone is continuing to grow five percent, basically absorbing amounts using their company Nokia Lumias within the list - did we point out that only Nokia Home windows Phones can be found within the top list still?

It's interesting to determine the Lumia 1520 and Lumia 1020 don't even come in the very best "Home windows Phone 8 products" list, climax still beginning for that flagship phablet. And merely just in case you needed telling whether Nokia has had the marketplace by storm since 2011, browse the chart below.

Greetings, rather dominate Microsoft.

Home windows Phone 7 still hanging inside

Once we noted recently, Home windows Phone 7.x is really a persistent mobile platform, with customers holding onto their previous generation hardware. There's what's promising in present day report as AdDuplex notes how we have firmly passed the threeOr4 mark with Home windows Phone 8 ongoing to narrow the gap.

Aggressive prices helps Lumia 520 in america

We have seen some real cost cuts over the 2010 festive period, with Black Friday along with other aggressive marketing deals, however these campaigns have handled to assist the Lumia 520 out in the area because the system is now # 2, just behind its brother or sister.

The Lumia 520 was lower in fifth position recently (on 7.2 percent), making its progress in December rather impressive (getting 12.2 percent). Its brother or sister, the Lumia 521 remains in to begin with on 30.2 percent. It's interesting to notice the Nokia Lumia 1020 is featured within this chart on 2.3 %.

Finland, a strange child

Finland is definitely an odd country to pay for. The Lumia 800 is on 17.4 % in to begin with, showing precisely how resilient Home windows Phone 7 is, mainly in the home of Nokia. The Lumia 920 carefully follows in second (on 15 %) using the Lumia 520 in third (12.9 %). In addition may be the entire listing of top Home windows Phones in Finland contains Lumia hardware only.

A brand new South america

The forex market happens to be an essential region for Microsoft and it is OEM partners, approximately 2 several weeks ago the Lumia 710 was still being a powerful contender within the Home windows Phone race, however the Lumia 520 has turned the table and today leads by almost 10 %. It's an optimistic move since we are searching in a Home windows Phone 8 phone changing a mature generation device.

Searching forward

The Lumia 1520 is landing in multiple marketplaces, and we are likely to see more products hit the shelves within the coming several weeks, such as the Lumia 525. We are also wanting to see what's going to emerge from 2014 and just how the Microsoft and Nokia deal goes lower with new hardware being launched.

What exactly are your ideas in the finish of 2013? Tell us within the comments.

You'll have the ability to browse the full report over on AdDuplex tomorrow. It's worth proclaiming that this report was put together using data collected from 2,499 Home windows Phone applications running the Adduplex SDK v2. The raw data was collected on December 27th.